How to Make the Perfect Mexico City Elote
Mexican · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
Elote is the quintessential Mexican street corn served on the cob slathered with creamy mayonnaise and rolled in crumbled cotija cheese. This smoky, tangy, and spicy snack is sold by vendors throughout Mexico City and is impossible to resist.
Why this recipe works
This Mexico City Elote recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 whole ears of corn husks removed
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 whole limes cut into wedges
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Grill the Corn
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the shucked corn directly on the grates and grill for 12 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes, until charred spots appear all over the cob.
Step 2: Apply the Mayonnaise
Remove the corn from the grill and while it is still hot, spread about one tablespoon of mayonnaise evenly over each cob using a brush or the back of a spoon. Work quickly so the coating adheres well.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Roll each mayo-coated cob in the crumbled cotija cheese, pressing gently so it sticks. Sprinkle generously with chili powder and smoked paprika, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Insert a wooden skewer or hold by the stalk and squeeze fresh lime juice over each cob. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cotija cheese → finely crumbled feta cheese which offers a similar salty and crumbly texture
- mayonnaise → Mexican crema or sour cream thinned slightly with lime juice
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not getting enough char on the corn which removes the signature smoky street food flavor
- Applying toppings to cold corn which causes them to slide off instead of adhering
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 8g protein, 32g carbs, 18g fat, 4g fiber.
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